Coin controlled mechanism



Feb. 9, 1960 2,924,320

H. GREENWALD COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Filed Jan. 10, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 HARRY GREENWALD ATTORNEY Feb. 9, 1960 H. GREENWAIOD 2,924,320

COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Filed Jan. 10, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, HARRY GREENWALD ATTORNEY Feb. 9, 1960 H. GREENWALD 2,924,320

COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Filed Jan. 10, 1955. 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Harry Greenwald ATTORNEY Unite States Patent COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Harry Greenwald, Blauvelt, N.Y., assignor to H. Greenwald Co. Inc., Maspeth, N.Y., a corporation Application January 10, 1955, Serial No. 480,797

1 Claim. (Cl. 194 8 4) This invention relates to coin controlled mechanisms and, more particularly, to such mechanisms of the type in which insertion of a coin mechanically couples an operating or driving member to an operated or driven member during a predetermined movement of the members, at the end of which movement the coin falls into a coin release chute or the like to effectively uncouple the members.

Coin controlled mechanisms of this type are frequently used in commercial installations of automatic appliances such as clothes washers and driers. The operation of such automatic appliances is usually controlled by a cycle timer which is energized by movement of a control element to a start position to automatically carry out the operating cycle of the appliance. During the operating cycle, the cycle timer control element is progressively moved from the start position toward a stop position and, when it reaches the latter position, the cycle timer is automatically deenergized and the operating cycle of the appliance is terminated.

To re-start the operating cycle, the timer control element must be moved from the stop position to the start position, the direction of this latter movement customarily being in the same direction as the movement of the control element during the operating cycle. There is thus a positional gap or interval between the stop or off position and the start" position of the timer control element.

When a coin controlled mechanism of the aforementioned type is applied to such an automatic appliance, the usual control knob is removed from the control element of the cycle timer and the operated or driven member of the coin mechanism is coupled to the control element. The parts of the coin mechanism are so related that the required number of coins must be inserted before the cycle control element can be moved the full distance from the stop to the start positions. For example, if it is desired to have the appliance operate when a single coin is inserted, the driving and driven members of the coin mechanism are so related that the cycle control element is moved the full distance to the start position by the coin-coupled operating and operated members of the coin mechanism before the coin drops into the coin chute to uncouple these members. If a multiple coin operation is desired, the members of the coin mechanism are so designed that each coin-coupled operation of the mechanism advances the cycle timer control element only a fraction of the positional gap" before the coin falls into the coin chute, and successive coin insertions are required to move the control element over the remainder of the positional gap. Thus, for a two-coin operation, insertion of the first coin couples the driving and driven members for movement of the timer control element only one-half the distance between the stop and start positions before the coin falls into the chute to uucouple the members. When a second coin is inserted, the members are coupled for a sufficient distance of movement to move the control element the balance of the distance Patented Feb. 9, 1960 to the start position before the second coin falls into the coin chute.

Coin mechanisms of this type generally include a base part receiving the control element and containing a driven or operated member secured to such element, which element is usually a rotatable shaft. A cover part locked to the base part contains the driving or operating memher to which is secured an externally accessible control knob, the cover being formed with a coin slot.

In the usual construction, the two parts of the coin mechanism are secured together by bolts extending longitudinally therebetween, and the cooperating parts must be changed in accordance with the number of coins desired to efiect one operation of the cycle timer. The securing bolts are usually inaccessible without removing the unit from the appliance, and this factor, together with the required interchange of parts, results in considerable expense to change over the operation from a one-coin to a twoor three-coin cycle initiation, or vice versa.

In the coin mechanism to which the present invention is applied, the base part is provided with a driven member having a number of fingers and adjustably secured to the timer control shaft or element in such relation thereto that, when the control element is at the start position, the rearmost or trailing finger is aligned with a coin discharge or outlet opening.

The relative angular distance of the coin slot in the cover from the coin outlet in the base determines the number of coins required to-start the cycle timer. For a one-coin operation, the coin slot is so positioned that an inserted coin will couple the driving member, in its retracted position, to the rearmost finger of the driven member when the control element is in the stop position. Thus, the driving and driven elements will remain coupled until such rearmost finger is aligned with the coin chute, so that insertion of a single coin will allow the timer control shaft to be moved the full distance to the start position.

Fo r a two-coin'operation, the cover is adjusted to position the coin slot between the last finger and the penultimate finger. Consequently, when the inserted coin drops into the coin chute, the last finger is still spaced therefrom, and the next inserted coin will engage the last finger to complete movement of the control element to: the start position.

To set the mechanism for a three-coin operation, the cover is adjusted to position the coin slot in advance of the penultimate finger so that, when the coin drops, this finger is between the coin slot and the coin chute. The next inserted 'coin allows the penultimate finger to be aligned with the coin chute and a third coin is required to permit movement of the last finger to the coin chute. This procedure can be carried out for a larger number of coins, if desired, by adding suitably located fingers to the driven member.

For an understanding of the invention principles, reference is made to the following description of a typical embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing. In the drawing: 4

Fig. 1 is an enlarged elevation view illustrating the coin-controlled mechanism mounted on a conventional cycle timer;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the coin-controlled mechanism with the cover removed;

Fig. 3 is a partial radial sectional view on the line AA of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an inside plan view of the cover;

Fig. 5 is an outside elevation view of the coin clutch coupled by a coin;

the coin clutch;

Fig. 7 is a view. similar toFig. illustrating the coin clutch action with an inserted washer; and

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the coin-controlled mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 1, timer 20 is generally illustrated as including a mounting member 21 secured to a framework 22, a geared motor 23 driving control shaft 25, and switches or similar devices 24 operated in a predetermined sequence by cams 26 on shaft 25. When a control knob on shaft 25 is manually rotated to a start position,

motor 23 is energized to rotate shaft 25 to carry out the operating cycle of appliance 10. When the control knob reaches the stop or off position, motor 23 is deenergized to terminate the cycle. The movement of the control knob from start to off is less than a complete revolution, and the knob must be manually rotated through the remaining are to start to re-start the opening cycle. In the illustrated case, the control knob is removed from shaft 25, and movement of the shaft from the stop to the start" position is under the controlof mechanism 30.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 through 8, mechanism includes a base part 40, secured to timer mounting member 21 by a bracket 41, and a cover part 60. The base 40 is a generally cylindrical casting having an outwardly and downwardly sloping, and consequently thickened, front wall 42 and a boss 43 projecting from its rear wall substantially diametrically opposite the center of front wall 42 and extending above the upper surface of the base. The upper surface of the base is recessed to provide a cylindrical rim44 which is ground or otherwise machined to have a close fit with the outer surface of a peripheral flange 61 on cover 60 when the latter is mounted'on base 40.

A coin chute passage 53 extends downwardly and outhaving a base 76 riveted or otherwise secured to' the under-surface of plate 70. terminates at slot 74, while the other flange 78 is deeper than flange 77 and extends beyond slot 74 and is bent radially outwardly to form a radial arm 81. sloping rearwardly and downwardly toward the lower edge of flange 77. The upper edge of arm 81 is at substantially the level of the lower edge of flange 77. As seen in Fig. 5, the

forward endof flange 77 is bevelled to forma wedge 82 1 extending toward arm 81 and having a surface sloping upwardly away therefrom. The purpose of this will be described. a r

The operation of mechanism 30 will be understood best by reference to Figs. 1 and 8. For a one-coin operation, cover 60 is positionedwith coin slot 65 in the solid line position of Fig. 6. At the end of the operating cycle, driven member 50 is in the broken line position of Fig. 2 and, to activate timer 20, must be moved to the solid line position of this figure which is the position shown in Fig. 8. The rear edge of finger 550. is somewhat in advance of slot 65.

By turning knob 64 to align slots 65 and 74, .a coin 80 may be inserted through these slots and engaged bewardly from the upper surface of base and has an enlargement 54 seating conduit 31, this conduit having an extension engaged in chute 53 with its end bevelled to be flush with the upper end of the coin chute S3.

The driven member of'the mechanism 30 comprises a relatively thin flat plate set over the end of shaft 25 projecting into base 40 through an axial opening inthe latter. Plate 50 has a circular-inner extension congruent with a collar 56 secured to shaft 25 by a set screw 57 and 1 connected with such circular extension by a pin 58. The plate 50 is formed withthree or more fingers a, 55b, and 55, each having a radial trailing edge and a sloped leading or forward edge.

Cover 60 includes a circular top wall 62 bounded by the peripheral flange 61 which is machined for a close fit inrim 44 of base 40. Wall 62 has a central aperture through which extends a shaft 63 having a knurled outer -end press fitted in an external operating knob 64. A radial coin slot 65 is formed through wall 62 and provided with an external, slotted escutcheon plate 66. A coin carrier. plate has a tight, non-rotatable spring fit on the shaft- 63 inside cover 60, and is held against wall 62 by a collar67 secured to shaft 63 by a set screw 68. Plate 70 carries the driving member of the coin-clutch, described more fully hereinafter. r

The coin carrier plate is generally circular except for an arcuate lip 71 extending through about 120 of the plate circumference. The radial ends of lip 71 are engageable with a pin 72, in cover 60, and a pin 73, in base.

40, to limit rotation of the knob 64 in bothdirections. Centrally of the arcuate extent of lip 71, a slot 74 is formed in plate 70 and is coextensively alignable with coin slot 65. Cover carried pin 72 limits counterclockwise movement of plate 70 to a position beyond coin slot 65 by an amount such that plate 70 covers slot 65. Base carried pin 73 limitsclockwise or forward movement of the plate to a position where trailing finger 550 extends over coin chute 53 to allow a coin behind the rear edge of finger 55c to drop into the coin chute.

The operating member 75 is generally'channel shaped,

tween arm 81 and the bevelled nose of flange 77, the coin having its edge contacting the surface of base 40 and the inside of flange 61. When knob 64 is turned clockwise, the coin will engage the rear edge of finger 55c, mechanically coupling parts 50 and 75 for movement as a unit. Such movement continues until the coin reaches chute 53 and drops therethrough into conduit 31 and coin receiver 32. Finger 55c is now aligned with chute 53 and thus shaft 25 has been moved to the start" position for timer 20. I

For a two-coin operation, lock cylinder 53 is unlocked and removed, setscrew 47 is loosened, and cover 60 is moved to bring the coin slot to the position 65' of Fig. 8. Set screw 47 is retightened, and lock cylinder 52 locked into housing 47. When coin is inserted through slots 65 and 74, movement ofknob 64 will engage the coin with the rear edge of finger 55b. This finger will then be moved by operator 75 until the coin drops into chute 53, which occurs when finger 55b is aligned with the coin chute. As the rear finger 55c isstill counterclockwise of the coin chute, the timer 29 is not started, and insertion of a second coin is required for operator 75 to move finger 550 to the start position.

For a three-coin operation, cover .60 is adjusted and locked, as described, with the coin slot at position 65" of Fig. 8. An inserted coin 80 will be engaged'with finger SSAwhen knob 64 is rotated, and will fall into chute 53 when finger 55b is just in advance of slot 65". Hence, two more coin insertions are required to move member 50 to the timer statfposition of Fig. 8.

As reverse movement of the timer control shaft will damage some cycle timers, means are provided to prevent such reverse movement. This means comprises-a ratchet strip.85 having forwardly facingteeth86 and mounted along flange 61 to extend between .slot position 65 and thecoin chute 53. Teeth 86, engaged by an inserted coin 80, prevent reverse movement of knob 84 i when members 50 and 75 are coupled by a coin.

.The ratchet strip 85 also serves to prevent starting of r a manipulate this assembly that a single coin can be successively engaged with each of the fingers. 55a, 55b, and.

55c of element 50 before the coinhhas been moved to thecoin discharge opening. Thus, a single coin can effect movement of finger55c to opening 53. The ratchet 85,

engaging a coin held in assembly 70-75, prevents such oscillatory movement ofthe latter and allows the ,assembly to move only toward the coin discharge opening.

Should a washer .87 be inserted into mechanismy30,

no starting of the timer takes place. .The nose of flange The radially outer flange 77 '77 engages the washer opening, as knob 64 is rotated,

so that the washer rides up along surface 82, being thus lifted and dragged over the fingers of member 50. When the washer is over chute 53, it slides ofi member 75 and falls into receiver 32.

It is also possible to operate the mechanism by inserting razor blades in coin slot 65. This can be prevented by the means shown in Figs. 2'and 3. Referring to these figures, the upper surface of base 40 is provided with a depression 401, in the form of a V-groove or the like, extending through substantially the maximum arc of travel of finger 55c. A coin 80 inserted in slot 65 centers itself in this groove. On either side of the groove, and just in advance of coin slot position 65, pins 402 are set into base 40 to project slightly above its upper surface. Driven element 55 can be slightly elevated to clear these pins or base 40 can be suitably recessed on over about 90" ot its extent.

If a razor blade is inserted, its edge will ride along the upper surface of base 40 and will engage pins 402, thus blocking further movement of knob 64 and the coin-coupled members. However, when a coin 80-is inserted, its edge will clear pins 402 as can be seen from Fig. 3, thus providing normal operation of the mechamsm.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is: A new article of manufacture for use in a coin controlled mechanism including a driving plate and a driven member; which comprises a coin carrying driving member secured to said driving plate and in the form of-a sheet metal channel having its base portion secured to the underside of the driving plate, the side flanges of i the channel having the ends at the leading end of the channel projecting beyond the leading end of the base portion, one of said side flanges having its projecting end to form an upwardly and rearwardly sloping nose, the projecting end of the other side flange having its outer end portion bent laterally to form an arm that extends across the beveled end on the other side flange and is spaced from such beveled end to provide a coin receiving space cooperable with the slot in the driving plate to support a coin in engagement with the driven member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 806,722 Wood Dec. 5, 1905 922,045 Roland May 18, 1909 2,267,576 Rhodes Dec. 23, 1941 2,349,359 MacCordy May 23, 1944 2,672,969 Greenwald Mar. 23, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 18,128 Great Britain of 1915 156,843 Great Britain Jan. 20, 1921 

